ABSTRACT Democratic governance and sustainable development are crucial for the stability and advancement of African nations. This study utilised a historical approach to examine the evolution of governance structures in Nigeria and Mauritius. Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has grappled with governance challenges such as military rule, electoral malpractice, and leadership inefficiencies, all of which have impeded sustainable development in the country. In contrast, Mauritius, which attained independence in 1968, has maintained stable democratic governance, fostering economic growth and social progress through robust institutions and inclusive policies. The study is grounded in the Good Governance Theory, which underscores transparency, accountability, and citizen participation as essential drivers of sustainable development. The findings indicate that Mauritius' adherence to democratic principles, effective governance, and strategic economic planning is responsible for the country's consistent growth, whereas Nigeria's governance shortcomings are responsible for constraining its developmental progress. The study emphasises the pivotal role of democratic governance in achieving sustained socio‐economic advancement and provides policy recommendations aimed at enhancing governance structures, promoting economic diversification, and fostering inclusive development in Nigeria and other African countries. It also advocates that Nigeria and its African counterparts should strengthen democratic institutions by ensuring judicial independence, reinforcing anti‐corruption agencies, and conducting credible elections. Institutional reforms that enhance accountability and transparency are essential in addressing governance inefficiencies and ensuring sustainable development. In addition, empowering oversight bodies such as anti‐corruption commissions and electoral management authorities is critical to restoring public trust in democratic processes.
Ugwoke et al. (2026) studied this question.